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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.